THE son of a serviceman who shot down an airship over Billericay was guest of honour at the 100th anniversary of the event.

Air Marshal Sir Freddie Sowrey, the son of 2nd Lieutenant Frederick Sowrey who shot down the Zeppelin in 1916, was warmly welcomed by the chairman of Billericay Town Council, Jim Devlin, and Jo Clark, vice-chairman and chairman of the commemoration committee.

Sir Freddie, accompanied by 14 members of his family, was met by a guard of honour, provided by 2393 (Billericay) Squadron of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

After a welcoming ceremony at the Billericay Town Council offices, during which Sir Freddie explained his father’s role, guests travelled to Greens Farm Lane, close to the spot where the Zeppelin crashed.

Also in attendance was the nephew of the German radio operator who was on the Zeppelin when it was shot down.

Sir Freddie again inspected the Air Cadets who had lined the road.

Mr Devlin spoke to explain the historical context after which Sir Freddie formally unveiled a commemorative marker stone.

A bugler played the Last Post followed by a two minute silence remembering all those who fell in the Great War with the Air Cadets’ flags dipped in honour.

Air Marshal Sir Freddie Sowrey said: “As a family we were proud to be involved with your day unveiling a marker stone to commemorate the L32 Zeppelin crash 100 years ago.

“It was important to remember all those who died in the Great War and I’m particularly grateful to Billericay Town Council for inviting Herr Borttscheller (nephew of the Herman radio operator) to be with us.”

Mr Devlin, chairman of the town council said: “This was an important event in the history of Billericay and we felt it right and proper to highlight the location of the crash with a marker stone, very kindly provided by Bennetts Funerals.”

Lieutenant Sowrey shot the Zeppelin on September 23, 1916 and it caught fire. All 22 crew aboard died.

He died in 1966, aged 75.